Olympics women’s hockey classification game, Sweden vs. Japan highlights, updated bracket and more

In the second Olympics women’s hockey classification game, Japan pulled off a massive 2-1 upset over Sweden

Going into the Olympics women’s hockey classification games, Japan had been struggling for most of its time in Pyeongchang. However, on Sunday, the Japanese got a much-needed upset win. Japan topped favored Sweden 2-1 in overtime. This came after Japan lost to Sweden in the preliminary round, costing the team a chance at the medal round.

Both goals in regulation came during an exciting second period. Defenseman Shiori Koike from Japan got the scoring started just over 90 seconds into the second period. Less than five minutes later, Sweden got their goal from Lisa Johansson. Haruna Yoneyama and Shoko Ono both picked up assists for Koike’s goal. Meanwhile, Johansson’s goal went unassisted.

The final 35 minutes of regulation went scoreless, though each team got quality chances. Between Japan and Sweden, there were 66 shots on goal, 37 for the former, 29 for the latter.

3:16 into overtime, Ayaka Toko scored one of the biggest goals in Japan’s women’s hockey history. Both of their goals were scored by defensemen, which is appropriate because of how well they played defensively during the tournament.

Japan will advance to the fifth-place game where it will face Switzerland. The Swiss gave Japan trouble in the preliminary round, triumphing 3-1. However, as the game against Sweden proved, Japan is quite capable of surprising teams. A fifth-place finish would mean a ton for a country whose women’s hockey program has been budding in recent years. Japan has never finished above sixth-place in the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s disappointing Olympics continue. Sweden was hoping to make it at least to the semifinals. However, two straight losses put the Swedish team in the seventh-place game against the host country Korea. Sweden will try to redeem its Olympics, but its has been a forgettable performance so far, to say the least.

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